I can't get no motivation

At any point, for someone, somewhere, life is confusing – and motivational speakers make it their life’s work to guide these people to the path forward. As someone who says he could use some motivation himself, Tushar Burman tries to find out more.

- Tushar Burman

This story has been a long time in the making, which should be some indication of how busy its subjects can be. Motivational speakers, corporate trainers, coaches of various flavours - they came in a series of emails from my editor, asking for a quietly observational piece, without snark. Things were thus set in motion, and I was to attend the “National Achievers 2019 Conference”. “Facepalm emoji”, said my screen-addled inner voice. However, as a middle-aged, balding freelance writer dependent on the good graces of spouse, editors and family, it made sense to expand beyond the odd automotive and tech story. There would be no fancy hotels and pandering - but there would be lunch.

TMotivational speakers have always been around. You’ll often find them holding court for corporate leadership teams, or ruling nations across the world. I’d heard of veterans in India - such as Shiv Khera and Priya Kumarr - but I wasn’t prepared for the sheer avalanche of information, and the number of individuals out there. Thanks to the internet and social media, it appears that a great many people are just waiting to help you change your life – a change that perhaps you are not equipped to effect independently.

That appears to be the basic premise of the programmes that motivational speakers conduct - to help you in your business, life, work, love and such. My lack of youth, a steady job and hair (not necessarily in that order) did, in fact, make me an ideal candidate for some motivation, in hindsight - but I was hired for my turn of phrase, so let’s go with that.